1. Do not open files from unknown senders
The right hackers often gain access to your data via email. Someone will send you an email asking for your permission to open an attachment. An attachment could be a script that places code on your computer, collects data, and then sends it to the hacker. Some scripts can also delete files or do other things.
If you see a hyperlink in an email and want to verify that it is legitimate, hover over the link to confirm. Don’t click on anything that looks suspicious and make sure to hack proof your data.
Take Action
If you don’t know the person, do not open attachments. Before opening an attachment, make sure you verify the file type. Sometimes file extensions can be confusing. Make sure your anti-virus settings are up to date in order to scan for attachments for signs of email phishing attacks.
2. Don’t use the same password everywhere
Many people utilize the same password to get to numerous accounts. Use different passwords for different accounts. Create separate passwords. It is difficult to remember passwords. Enable secure logins in any app or website, such as facial recognition.
Did you know that the top 10 passwords most used are the following?
- 123456
- 123456789
- qwerty
- Password
- 111111
- 12345678
- abc123
- 1234567
- Password1
- 12345
They should be avoided. Password1 and Password123 are not recommended.
Create difficult passwords for different account
- A cybersecurity company discovered that Password123 was the most commonly used password in a research project.
- Change the default password that a company has provided.
- Change passwords at least once a month.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Many websites and apps that store financial and sensitive data offer multi-factor or 2-factor authentication. You will need to enable this feature to log in to an app or website. This means that you will need to enable it. This is an extra step, but I’m willing to enable it. It is easy to verify text messages.
A 2FA has been set up for my bank and financial accounts. This means that every time I log in to my account, I must send a PIN to my mobile to confirm.
4. Attempt not login to your accounts on public networks
Most public networks, such as airports, are not secured. Do not log in to any public network accounts unless you are absolutely required. Hackers are also attracted to private homes and tourist places. Hackers can set up tracking devices on routers at home. Do not allow hackers to gain access to your bank accounts or personal information via untrusted networks.
5. Don’t keep a copy of plain text login
Keep your login information in plain text. You should password protect your login credentials if you have to store them in plain text. Microsoft Word and Excel allow you to password-protect a file. You can add codes to your password that you only know. You could, for example, put your date of birth and your house number in a password.
Example
In the event that your password is “xatpatro”, and your home number 404, you can save your secret password as “xatpatro404” or “xat4pa0tro4”.
6. Social Media
Hackers can monitor your social media accounts to find out about your travel and other statuses. Your updates should not be posted on social media, such as travel plans and location. Apps that use your location and maps should be disabled from auto-updating.
7. Don’t give out your personal information via email or phone
You should never be called by a business or company asking for your social security numbers. Do not give out your social security number to anyone pretending to be from another company. Do not provide any personal information via email or phone unless it is absolutely necessary.
Spammers may call you pretending to be calling from a bank, and then introduce themselves as spammers. They might already have your address and credit card details. It is important to confirm that they are calling from the bank. OR ask them for a phone number so you can verify the bank number.
8. Don’t visit any fishy websites
Don’t visit any questionable websites. Don’t click on any ads that appear suspicious. You can verify the authenticity of an ad or website by searching the name in your browser. Most fishing plug-ins can be downloaded from unreliable websites.
You should not use any suspicious or fraudulent websites. Instead, you can open them on a different machine with a high-security setting in your web browser. You don’t want to visit any website that opens links.
9. Change credit cards
Each year, try to make a change to your credit card. It’s also a good idea to check your monthly credit card bill for any additional charges. You can also monitor your credit card bill to identify any suspicious transactions.
Use one credit card to make most online purchases. Keep an eye on it if you are able. Online purchases should not be made with your Debit Card. This will ensure that you don’t put your entire bank account at risk.
It is not a good idea to transfer money by bank transfer without giving your bank account information. This is how you should think. Everything you input online will be stored on a server. It is impossible to know whether your financial and personal information is encrypted, secure, or if it is accessible by anyone. It’s hard to do, but it is possible.
10. Enable Auto Updates
The last and most important tip is to make sure your computer has the latest security patches. Windows and other operating systems have regular security updates. You should ensure that you are up-to-date with all updates. Auto Updates can be enabled so that your operating system automatically installs and updates security patches.
Use the latest browsers. The new browsers are better at stopping and monitoring fishing attacks. Get the most recent browser.
Another important requirement is anti-virus. You should ensure that your anti-virus software is up to date with all patches and updates.
